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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Marie Trowbridge
Joseph's Sibling
Joseph "Joe, White Rain" Newton Chase, II
November 29th, 1958 - January 8th, 2026
November 29th, 1958 - January 8th, 2026
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. - Judy Garland
**In Loving Memory of Joseph "Joe, White Rain" Newton Chase, II** *November 29, 1958 - January 8, 2026*
Joseph Newton Chase, affectionately known as "Joe" or "White Rain," was born on November 29, 1958, in Madera, California. He passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Concord, leaving a memorable mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Joe was a true Renaissance man, wearing more hats—in both the literal and figurative sense—than most people wear in a lifetime. A proud graduate of Golden State University in San Francisco, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations in 1983, Joe dedicated his career to educating others about HIV/AIDS. For his tireless advocacy, he received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, honoring his significant contributions to the fight against HIV in Sonoma County.
Joe was not only knowledgeable but also personable, effortlessly combining humor and warmth in every interaction. He had a knack for making everyone's day a little brighter while advocating for those less fortunate or without a voice. Joe's humor was legendary. Whether he was crafting clever rhymes, dreaming up nicknames, or belting out a tune along with his beloved dog, Mademoiselle Marly Louise Tuileries (if you please), he brought joy to every room he entered. A lover of Judy Garland in classic films and a devoted fan of the talented Jeff Ulbrich #53 from the former SF 49ers, Joe could always be counted on for an engaging conversation about either topic.
He was a proud member of the heart-centered club for gay, bi, trans and queer men, called The Billys, where he enjoyed connecting with fellow members of shared values and experiences. Joe's creative spirit extended to his collection of hats, each one with its own story waiting to be told. His outgoing personality made him an entertainer at heart, and those close to him will forever remember his infectious laughter and kind spirit.
Joe is survived by his brothers, Jim and Randall Chase, his sister Marie Trowbridge, and a loving cadre of nieces and nephews. Each of them carries a unique piece of his legacy forward, filled with memories of shared laughter and heartfelt conversations.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, with options to join in-person or virtually. Please see the event details for more information and RSVP.
Joe Chase's spirit will undoubtedly resonate through the hearts and stories of all he touched. He may have left this world, but his laughter, kindness, and adventurous spirit will live on forever in our memories. Here’s to you, Joe—thank you for the laughter, love, and all those creative moments we will cherish for a lifetime.
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Tributes
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Marie Trowbridge
My Baby Brother Joseph/Joey Joey, being the youngest, had a special talent for showing up in Mom and Dad’s bed in the middle of the night. All of us had our turn—until the next child came along and bumped us out of the rotation. That was… until Mom and Dad got a door with a lock. Problem solved, right? Not for Joey. He simply adjusted his strategy… and started climbing into my bed instead. When I graduated from high school, I went to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. I rented a room from Mrs. Duncan and got a job at the A&W Root Beer drive-in nearby. On one visit, Mom and Dad brought Joe down, and Mrs. Duncan said it would be fine for him to stay a few days. So while I was at work, if he got hungry, he would walk over—book in hand, usually an encyclopedia—sit at one of the outside tables, and quietly read while eating his fries, burger, and drinking his root beer. I have a picture of Joe in my wedding, carrying the Bible and helping nieces Tricia and Lori walk down the aisle. Years later, when we were talking about our anniversary, he told me he never actually got to read it—he thought it was silly, had always wondered why he carried the bible? And I told him… well, we just wanted to get married. Throughout the years, Joe often landed at my home—sometimes for a few weeks, sometimes a few months. He was pretty low maintenance. He found the outside deck and even the storage shed in the backyard quite comfortable. One thing, though—we went through a lot of remotes and cordless phones… because his midnight snacking sometimes led to them being microwaved… or left in the freezer. As our parents began to age, and our dad was diagnosed with cancer, it became Joe’s personal mission to care for them. He even moved back to Concord to make sure Mom was taken care of when she moved into the Carlton—back then, we called it the Chateau. Joe was a compassionate, thoughtful, and patient caregiver. He was with them every step of the way through their final days. I truly don’t know how I would have made it through that time without his love and support—not just for them, but for me. And later, it was my privilege to be there for him when he had his turn to stay at the Carlton. I will always love and miss my baby brother. -Marie
Lark Letchworth
Joe brought joy, education, and Judy into our lives, each and every time he appeared. I'll miss his appearances, but not the memories.
April Warren
Click the link in my previous post for the full presentation.
Daniel R Mandel
How did you meet Joseph?
I honestly didn’t know what to write here. I am so sorry for our loss of Joe. I got to know him initially through the Billys and we became friends. He was always so thankful when I would laugh at his jokes, and he almost always made me laugh. I organized a Billy gathering with Joe. I also remember that whenever Joe was called upon to write something his writing was well phrased and it made me think he might have missed his calling as a writer… We often went for walks. We were in a mens discussion group for a few years. I will dearly miss him and I know that any suffering or disappointment he encountered in his life is now over and he is transformed into the great mystery. This is a picture of Joe at my house preparing a crab dinner which I think was one of his favorites!
Christopher Stocker
Saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. May those of you close to him find solace in the memories of your special times you shared. A true free spirit who combined mirth and merriment with a fierce passion to fight injustice. The world is a better place because of Joe. May he find those elusive ruby slippers in his next life. Rest in please mi amigo.
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